What is a doula?
Practical and emotional support for you and your birth partner — before, during and after birth.
Frequently asked questions
Whether you’re early in pregnancy or counting down the days, these FAQs cover what a doula does, what to expect from my services, pricing and booking, and the areas I cover across Brighton and East Sussex.
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Practical and emotional support for you and your birth partner — before, during and after birth.
A short call, then a no-pressure meet-up. If it feels like a good fit, we reserve your due window.
Brighton, Hove, Lewes, Worthing, Shoreham and surrounding areas across East Sussex.
FAQ
If your question isn’t here, please get in touch — I’m happy to talk things through.
A doula offers continuous emotional and practical support in pregnancy, birth and the early postnatal weeks. That can include listening without judgement, helping you explore options, creating a calm environment during labour, supporting your birth partner, and offering reassurance and comfort measures (breathing, positioning, massage and advocacy support).
I don’t replace midwives or doctors. I complement your clinical care by focusing on you — your comfort, confidence and continuity.
No. Doulas are non-clinical. I won’t perform examinations, monitor your baby, or give medical advice. I can help you prepare questions for your midwife/consultant, and support you to understand information so you can make informed decisions.
Yes. Many partners want to be deeply involved but aren’t sure what will help in the moment. I support partners with practical ideas, reassurance and breaks — so they can be present and confident, not overwhelmed.
Not at all. I support planned home births, birth centre births and hospital births. I also support you if the plan changes. The goal is the same: you feel informed, supported and cared for — wherever you give birth.
Yes. Support can include preparation for a planned caesarean, discussing preferences (like gentle caesarean options where available), and postnatal support with feeding, recovery and emotional processing.
Please note that theatre policies vary by hospital; we’ll talk through what support is possible in your chosen setting.
Antenatal sessions are tailored to you. We might cover your hopes and concerns, birth options, comfort measures, your birth partner’s role, and how to navigate decision-making. If you’re using hypnobirthing techniques, we can practise relaxation, breathing and mindset tools together.
I offer calm, continuous support: helping you stay comfortable and grounded, suggesting positions, supporting your breathing, providing massage and counter-pressure, keeping the environment peaceful, and supporting your partner too.
I can also help you pause and process information if decisions arise, so you feel clear and supported.
We’ll agree a plan ahead of time, based on your preferences and your previous birth history (if relevant). Typically we start with phone/text support in early labour, then I join you when things are established or when you’d like in-person support.
Yes. Postnatal support can include practical help (nourishing snacks, light household support), emotional support and debriefing, and feeding support in line with your choices. If specialist clinical feeding support is needed, I’ll help you find the right local services.
Yes. Many people come to doula support after a previous experience that felt frightening, rushed or disempowering. We can take time to explore what happened, what you want to be different this time, and how to feel more resourced and supported.
Pricing depends on the type of support you’d like (antenatal-only sessions, full birth support, or postnatal support). I’ll always confirm costs clearly before you book.
For current packages and availability, please see Services or contact me with your due month and location.
Often, yes. If spreading payments would help, let me know and we’ll look at a plan that feels manageable and keeps everything clear.
If you’re considering full birth support, it’s best to enquire as early as you can — ideally in the second trimester — as I only take a limited number of clients per month to ensure proper on-call support.
If you’re later in pregnancy, still get in touch; I may have space depending on due dates.
On-call means I keep my schedule flexible around your due window so I can support you when labour begins. We’ll agree the on-call start and end dates in advance, and I’ll explain how to contact me day or night.
Yes. I work alongside your NHS midwives and medical team. I’m there to support you and your partner, and to help communication feel calmer and clearer. Policies can vary between units; we’ll plan with your chosen place of birth in mind.
Birth can be unpredictable. If you transfer from home to hospital, or your plan changes in another way, I continue to support you within the boundaries of hospital policy and what feels right for you.
I’m based in the Brighton area and regularly support families in Brighton, Hove, Lewes, Worthing, Shoreham and across East Sussex. If you’re just outside these areas, please ask — I may still be able to help.
Yes. Antenatal sessions can take place in your home (where feasible) or at an agreed local location. Some sessions may also work well over video call if that’s easier for you.
Travel within the core areas listed above is usually included. For longer journeys, I’ll always confirm any additional travel cost in advance — no surprises.
Yes. If you’re planning to give birth in a hospital or birth centre within Brighton and East Sussex (or nearby), I can support you there, subject to local policies.
Not sure where to start? Send a message with your due month, your location (e.g., Hove, Lewes, Worthing) and the kind of support you’re considering — I’ll reply with next steps.
Gallery
A glimpse of the kind of steady, practical support families often want around pregnancy and birth.
Next step
A short message is enough to get started. Tell me your due month, where you’re based (Brighton, Hove, Lewes, Worthing, Shoreham or nearby), and what kind of support you’re considering.
Doula support that’s calm, practical and centred on your choices.
Tip: If you’re unsure what you need, simply share your due date and your biggest question right now.